Central HB: Fundraiser boosts Owen's pro dream

Waipawa's Lucy Owen at a tournament in the United States where, thanks to a scholarship renewal, she will continue to be based for the next year.

Almost a year on from when she winged her way to the United States on a golfing scholarship, Waipawa 20-year-old Lucy Owen remains resolute in her goal to become a professional international golfer.

Ms Owen is back in Hawke's Bay on a 12-week semester break, working at Sharpies Golf Range in Hastings, earning money to supplement her ongoing scholarship for her second year at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock (ULAR).

She said it had been a successful year, especially academically, with her hard work resulting in being named on the ULAR chancellor's list for academic excellence for 2016.

"I have had the most amazing year, not only have I been able to fulfil my academic goals but I have been able to play the sport I love."

She says her golf did not start out as well as she would have liked, but she learned some valuable lessons, and with hard work improved as the year progressed.

"I competed in college tournaments all over the USA and played in various fundraising and social tournaments, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed and gained invaluable experience.

"I even got to play in one tournament against Celeste McLean from Taranaki, which was amazing."

Off the golf course, she is studying towards a Bachelor of Science degree specialising in health, human performance and sports management.

The renewal of her scholarship for the 2016/17 year sees her financially secure in the short term, but will be used to pay for accommodation and college studies, she said.

To help pay for travel expenses and day-to-day living expenses, a fundraising strokeplay tournament is being held at the Waipawa golf course on Monday, June 6. Entry is $30 and includes a meal, with prizes for gross and nett in all divisions, plus prizes for long/accurate drives, approaches and twos.

- Registration on the day closes at 8am with tee-off at 9am. For details contact Jayne or Paul Owen on (06) 857 7248 or Dave Lawrence on 027 677 7905, email golf.titliest@gmail.com